A major update for a major news publication's Android application has dropped in the Play Store. The NYTimes - Latest News app has donned its new material design duds, and I have to say, it looks pretty good. The new design is very clean and stark, with white backgrounds and menus standing in sharp contrast to black text and icons. It actually looks a lot like... well... a newspaper. You know, now that I think about it, that might have been intentional.

In addition to the new look and feel, the app features a number of other improvements. You can now customize it to highlight your favorite sections and they will be made available for offline reading. Also, the app will make better use of Android notifications with a morning news update and breaking news alerts for developing stories. Other notable changes include a new twilight mode that will help news junkies to avoid burning out their retinas as they read in the dark and a couple of new widget options that provide news updates at a glance.

Non-paying users have access to a paltry 10 articles a month before they are cut off and invited to subscribe. Subscriptions start at $14.99 monthly for smartphone only access, they increase to $19.99 for computer and tablet access, and then jump to an eye-popping $34.99 to have access on all three. I'm sure glad Netflix doesn't follow that price model.

If you are already a Times subscriber congrats, I think you will enjoy the new interface. If you aren't but want to try it out, you can download the app using the link below.